Scoring most 40 point games in NBA history game is a benchmark of elite offensive talent. Only a few players have reached this level consistently over their careers. In this article, we break down the top players with the most 40-point games in NBA history, analyze their playing styles, and highlight their achievements across both the regular season and playoffs.
Who Leads in Most 40-Point Games?
No one in basketball history comes close to Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 40 or more points in 271 games. His dominance in the 1960s was unmatched, often putting up scoring numbers that seem unimaginable today. He routinely played over 45 minutes per game and once averaged over 50 points per game in a season. Chamberlain’s scoring output remains the gold standard in NBA history.
Top 15 Players with Most 40 point games in nba history (Regular Season + Playoffs)
| Rank | Player | 40+ Point Games |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilt Chamberlain | 271 |
| 2 | Michael Jordan | 173 |
| 3 | Kobe Bryant | 122 |
| 4 | James Harden | 101 |
| 5 | Elgin Baylor | 88 |
| 6 | Oscar Robertson | 77 |
| 7 | Allen Iverson | 76 |
| 8 | LeBron James | 75+ |
| 9 | Rick Barry | 70 |
| 10 | Kevin Durant | 70+ |
| 11 | Jerry West | 66 |
| 12 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 62 |
| 13 | George Gervin | 55 |
| 14 | Stephen Curry | 60+ |
| 15 | Damian Lillard | 50+ |
1. Wilt Chamberlain
With 271 40-point games, Chamberlain’s sheer volume puts him in a league of his own. He once scored 40+ points in 63 games in a single season (1961–62). Wilt was not only a scorer but a rebounding machine, making his impact across both ends of the court.
2. Michael Jordan
The Chicago Bulls icon had 173 40-point games, including 38 in the playoffs — the most ever. Jordan’s competitive drive and midrange mastery made him nearly impossible to stop in his prime. His 1993 Finals performances included multiple 40-point games against Phoenix.
3. Kobe Bryant
Kobe scored 40+ points 122 times, including an astonishing run in 2003 where he had nine consecutive 40-point games. His 81-point game in 2006 is second only to Chamberlain’s 100. Bryant was known for his footwork, shot-creating ability, and unrelenting scoring mentality.
4. James Harden
Harden has 101 40-point games and is the modern-day volume scorer. Known for his step-back threes and ability to draw fouls, he had 28 such games in the 2018–19 season alone. His scoring peak came during his time with the Houston Rockets.
5. Elgin Baylor
Baylor posted 88 40-point games and held the Finals record for points in a game (61) until 2023. A key figure in the early success of the Los Angeles Lakers, he was one of the league’s first above-the-rim scorers.
6. Oscar Robertson
The “Big O” had 77 games with at least 40 points. Best known for averaging a triple-double, Robertson also had an elite scoring touch, combining power and finesse.
7. Allen Iverson
Iverson scored 76 40-point games, with many coming during his MVP season in 2000–01. Despite his small size (6’0”), he constantly attacked the paint and was known for his crossover and fearlessness.
8. LeBron James
With 75+ 40-point games, LeBron’s consistency across two decades is remarkable. He has dropped 40+ in the regular season, Finals, and even deep playoff rounds well into his late 30s.
9. Rick Barry
Barry had 70 such games, known for his unique underhand free throws and aggressive scoring. He led the Golden State Warriors to a title in 1975 and was one of the most efficient scorers of his era.
10. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has over 70 40-point games, combining height, length, and shooting touch. His playoff resume includes multiple high-scoring performances, including 49 points in Game 5 vs. the Bucks in 2021.
11. Jerry West
The NBA logo himself had 66 40-point games. West was a clutch performer for the Lakers and remains one of the most respected scorers of the 1960s and ‘70s.
12. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
While best known for his all-time scoring record (until 2023), Kareem had 62 40-point games, mostly fueled by his unstoppable skyhook and long career with the Bucks and Lakers.
13. George Gervin
Gervin had 55 40-point games and won four scoring titles. Nicknamed “The Iceman,” he scored effortlessly with floaters and finger rolls, particularly during his time with the Spurs.
14. Stephen Curry
Curry has had over 60 games with 40 or more points. As the NBA’s greatest shooter, Curry’s explosive scoring comes from beyond the arc. He once had an 11-game stretch averaging over 40 points.
15. Damian Lillard
Lillard has over 50 40-point games, including a playoff-high 55 points in 2021 against the Nuggets. Known for his deep-range shooting and clutch-time heroics, “Dame Time” has become a staple of NBA highlight reels.
Most 40-Point Games in a Season
Wilt Chamberlain again holds the record with 63 in the 1961–62 season.
Other notable seasons include:
- James Harden (2018–19) – 28 games
- Kobe Bryant (2005–06) – 27 games
- Michael Jordan (1986–87) – 37 games
Most 40-Point Games in the Playoffs
- Michael Jordan – 38
- LeBron James – 28
- Jerry West – 20
- Kevin Durant – 14
- Allen Iverson – 12
- Stephen Curry – 10+
Playoff 40-point games are harder due to elite defenses, making these numbers even more impressive.
Youngest to Score 40 Points
- LeBron James – 19 years, 88 days
- Kevin Durant – 19 years, 200 days
- Luka Dončić – 20 years, 263 days
- Zion Williamson – 20 years, 35 days
These young stars showed elite scoring early in their careers.
Most 40-Point Games by Team Affiliation
Franchises with historically dominant scorers have more 40-point games:
- Los Angeles Lakers – Kobe, Baylor, West, Kareem
- Chicago Bulls – Jordan
- Houston Rockets – Harden
- Golden State Warriors – Barry, Curry, Durant
- Philadelphia 76ers – Chamberlain, Iverson
These teams have often featured primary scorers with green lights.
Conclusion
The list of players with the Most 40 point games in nba history reflects more than just scoring talent — it showcases dominance, longevity, and impact. Wilt Chamberlain remains the king of 40-point games, while Michael Jordan leads in the playoffs. In the modern era, James Harden, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry continue to redefine scoring standards.
As the NBA evolves into a faster, more perimeter-oriented game, new names like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Edwards are already adding to their totals. The pursuit of 40-point greatness lives on.
FAQs
1. Who has the most 40-point games in NBA history?
Wilt Chamberlain, with 271 games.
2. Who has the most 40-point playoff games?
Michael Jordan, with 38 playoff games scoring 40+.
3. Which active player has the most 40-point games?
James Harden, with over 100.
4. Who had the most 40-point games in a single season?
Wilt Chamberlain, with 63 in the 1961–62 season.
5. How many 40-point games does Stephen Curry have?
Over 60, including both regular season and playoffs.
6. Who are the youngest players to score 40+ in a game?
LeBron James and Kevin Durant top the list.
7. Which team has had the most 40-point scorers?
The Los Angeles Lakers, with legends like Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor, and Jerry West.
